Final preparation

The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. I blinked awake, the warmth of Carmen's arms draped around me making it impossible not to smile. She was still asleep, her face relaxed and peaceful.

Her dark hair spilled across the pillow, and one of her hands rested lightly on my waist, holding me close as if even in sleep, she didn't want to let me go. 

I couldn't blame her. I didn't want to leave either—not this moment, not this bed, not the bubble we'd created. But today was an important day.

Carmen's grandpa's anniversary celebration was happening, and I felt a surge of determination to help make it perfect.

This family, as chaotic as it was, had welcomed me in ways I'd never expected, and I wanted to show them just how much that meant to me.